Make Every Bite Count with Nutrient-Dense Foods
In partnership with the Kansas Beef Council on behalf of beef farmers and ranchers.
Knowing which foods to feed your baby first can be confusing and if you start to ask people their opinions, you may get a mixed bag of answers. We know you don’t want to leave anything to chance when it comes to providing the right nourishment for your infant, so we gathered the latest recommendations and expert advice to help ensure your baby gets off to the very best start possible.
First foods, also known as complementary foods, should be introduced around 6 months of age. The introduction of nourishing foods at this time provides babies with key nutrients that cannot be met by breastmilk or formula alone. In addition, these foods provide the opportunity for little ones to experience new tastes, textures and colors while learning how to enjoy food. Foods like beef, for example, can provide babies with a good source of iron, zinc, choline, B vitamins and protein, and can also provide them with a unique taste and texture experience. Here is a list of some first foods that supply the nutrients to support optimal growth and development:
- Beef, poultry, fish
- Iron-fortified cereals
- Dairy products (cheese, milk, yogurt)
- Fruits and vegetables
- Avocado
- Nut butters
- Eggs
With its high-quality protein, iron, zinc and choline, beef can help infants thrive as they grow through key developmental milestones. To learn more about infant and toddler nutrition, click here.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to consult a physician or health care provider with questions about starting solid foods.